Ronald Reagan Day is an annual day of recognition observed on February 6 in California. It is dedicated to the 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan, who also served as the Governor of California from 1967 to 1975.

Before embarking on a political career in the 1960s, Reagan had been an actor and starred in a few major productions. He even served as President of the Screen Actors Guild. In the early 1960s, Reagan decided to concentrate of politics. Initially a registered Democrat, he moved to the right-wing in the 1950s and became a Republican in 1962.

In 1964, Reagan presented his famous “A Time for Choosing” speech on behalf of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. California Republicans were impressed with his charisma and political views, and Reagan decided to run for Governor in the 1966 election. He won the election and held the position for two terms.

Reagan lost the 1976 presidential election to Jimmy Carter. He ran for presidency again in 1980 and won, becoming the first (and, as of 2018, the only) Governor of California to become President of the United States. In 1984, Reagan was re-elected for the second term.

Several Governors of California proclaimed February 6 (Reagan’s birthday) as Ronald Reagan Day. In 2010, it was officially made a permanent day of special significance by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ronald Reagan Day is also observed in Wisconsin and sometimes in other states.